Matariki and Rugby Rivalry

Matariki - The Maori New Year marks the time when the Pleiades star cluster or The Seven Sisters reappears in the morning sky and the sign that the days are getting longer. Kindy was invited to join in the celebrations at the local Marae and the children sang a song for the elders. (Joe is centre of picture in the red cap)




It was a really interesting visit and The Marae is beautiful, full of intricate carvings and decorated brightly. The children enjoyed some lovely stories and a singing and dancing session.




Then!!!!! Yesterday was the big day for rivalry in the Simmerson house. England vs the All Blacks playing in Christchurch. Joe was even more excited than is usual because we were taking along his buddy Josh to see the game. The Ralphs came too and we had a block of seats together. Now follows some footage of Josh and Joe - maybe my questions need to be a bit more specific in future!



The boys screamed during the intros, thoroughly enjoyed the Hakka and fidgeted the whole way through 80 minutes of play. A resounding triumph for the All Blacks 44-12! Joe, Josh and I were really enjoying every try, but it was an altogether more painful experience for some. Chris and Matt were very brave from the first few minutes when they went behind, stoic at half time (20-0) and magnanimous (just) by the end.

Two tired boys went to sleep pretty easily but this morning was an excruciating 5.30 wake up! And there was no way they were going back to sleep!